Zara believed in a woman’s right to walk home safely, say family
ZARA ALEENA believed all women should be able to walk home, her family said in a tribute as the man accused of her murder was remanded in custody yesterday.
Jordan Mcsweeney, 29, from Dagenham, east London, appeared at Thames magistrates’ court, where he was also charged with robbing and attempting to rape the 35-year-old law graduate as she walked to her home in Ilford in the early hours of Sunday morning. He appeared in the dock for the five-minute hearing wearing a grey tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
In charges read to Mr Mcsweeney, it was said he robbed Miss Aleena of her mobile phone, keys and handbag. He was also accused of attempted penetra- tion without consent.
Mr Mcsweeney did not offer a plea and was told because of the murder allegation his case will go to the Old Bailey. He was remanded in custody until a hearing at the Old Bailey tomorrow.
Police said Miss Aleena suffered serious head injuries, which was confirmed in a post mortem examination. No weapons are thought to have been used.
In a tribute to the aspiring lawyer, Miss Aleena’s family said in a statement more needed to be done to keep women safe.
They said: “She walked everywhere. She put her party shoes in a bag and donned her trainers. She walked.
“Zara believed that a woman should be able to walk home. Now her dreams of a family are shattered, her future brutally taken.
“We all know women should be safe on our streets. She was in the heart of her community, 10 minutes from home.
“We all need to be talking about what happened to our Zara, we all need to be talking about this tragedy.
“We must prevent and stop violence against women and girls.”
The statement said Miss Aleena, a law graduate, had wanted to enter the profession since she was five.
It said: “Zara was happy and at a point in her life when her joy was radiating and blossoming.
“She was ready to make a family of her own. Her sense of justice and fairness led her to a life of giving and caring for others – supporting refugees fleeing violence, giving voice to those who had less power.
“She had that special habit of noticing others in need and always put their needs on her agenda.”
The University of Westminster said last year Miss Aleena gained a postgraduate diploma in legal practice.
A spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened by the news that our former student and graduate Miss Zara Aleena has lost her life in such a tragic way.
“She is remembered fondly by all who taught her.”